What Is PAT Testing and Who Needs It?

What is PAT testing and do landlords need it?

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) involves regularly checking electrical appliances to make sure they are safe to use. For landlords, it is not always a legal must, but it is often expected, particularly in certain types of rental properties. It helps demonstrate that you’ve taken reasonable steps to meet your electrical compliance rental obligations and protect tenants.

Why PAT Testing Can Be Confusing for Landlords

Many landlords feel unsure about PAT testing. The topic is often mentioned but rarely explained in clear terms. The rules sit somewhere between legal requirements and common expectations, and online guidance can be inconsistent. This kind of compliance confusion can leave landlords torn between over-complying or risking safety lapses.

There is also uncertainty about who holds electrical safety responsibility, especially when tenant-supplied appliances are involved. These blurred lines contribute to poor decisions, often influenced by conflicting advice online.

This guide offers straightforward answers. It avoids jargon and does not rely on fear-based tactics.

What PAT Testing Actually Checks

PAT testing confirms that plug-in appliances are safe to use. It usually begins with a visual inspection and, if needed, a basic electrical test using handheld equipment. These checks ensure appliances are properly earthed and insulated to prevent electric shocks.

During testing, inspectors look for the following:

1. Frayed wires or exposed conductors
2. Damaged plugs or loose terminals
3. Cracks or heat damage on casings
4. Evidence of DIY repairs or faults inside

These visual checks help identify potential hazards before they can cause harm. The aim is to reduce accident risks and ensure that supplied items do not put tenants in danger.

What Counts as a Portable Appliance in a Rental Property

A portable appliance is typically any device that:

1. Has a plug
2. Can be moved while connected to the mains

In rental settings, this usually includes:

• Kettles
• Microwaves
• Toasters
• Lamps
• Freestanding fridges

Items are generally considered portable if they are plug-in and supplied by the landlord. Built-in ovens or fixed extractor fans are not covered. The focus is on moveable, plug-in equipment.

Is PAT Testing a Legal Requirement for Landlords?

In England, there is no law that explicitly requires PAT testing. However, the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations and the Health and Safety at Work Act both state that supplied electrical items must be safe.

In Scotland, PAT testing is legally required as part of landlord registration standards.

While it may not be a legal duty across the board, PAT testing offers clear evidence that safety obligations are being taken seriously.

Why PAT Testing Is Expected Even If It’s Not Mandatory

Local authorities and licensing bodies often include PAT testing as a condition of property licensing schemes. This is especially common in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), where councils may inspect electrical safety documentation as part of the approval process.

Examples of typical licensing conditions include:

1. Supplying evidence that all portable appliances have been PAT tested
2. Keeping updated PAT records for council inspections
3. Ensuring annual PAT testing for appliances in communal or shared spaces

While these conditions vary by borough, many London councils and urban authorities treat PAT testing as standard due diligence. It plays a key role in inspection readiness.

Which Landlords Are More Likely to Need PAT Testing

Some landlords are more likely to face expectations around PAT testing, especially those letting:

• Furnished homes or flats
• HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation)
• Properties that need local authority licences
• Short-term lets such as serviced apartments or holiday lets

These types of properties often involve shared spaces, higher tenant turnover, and greater scrutiny from local councils.

What About Holiday Lets and Short-Term Rentals?

Landlords running short-term lets, such as Airbnbs, serviced apartments, or holiday cottages, often supply a wide range of portable appliances. These include kettles, microwaves, hairdryers, and TVs.

Because tenants change frequently and guests may not report faults, the risk of unnoticed damage is higher. For this reason, PAT testing in short-term lets is typically recommended more often, with testing intervals aligned to the frequency of guest turnover.

Many insurers and local authorities now expect PAT testing for holiday lets, particularly in high-traffic or urban areas. It supports both risk management and compliance assessment.

When PAT Testing Usually Isn’t Required

PAT testing may not be expected when:

• A property is let unfurnished
• Tenants use their own plug-in appliances

In these cases, responsibility for appliance safety rests with the tenant. This introduces the need for clear understanding of appliance ownership and tenant responsibility.

However, the landlord is still responsible for the fixed electrical installation, covered by an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). Understanding liability boundaries helps landlords avoid unnecessary testing while still meeting their obligations.

How Often Should PAT Testing Be Done?

There is no set rule for how often PAT testing must happen. Frequency should be based on risk, usage, and tenancy type.

Most landlords follow a pattern such as:

• Testing appliances between tenancies
• Annual testing in furnished properties
• More frequent testing in HMOs or high-traffic environments

The more often an item is used or moved, the more often it should be tested. Landlords are encouraged to apply practical judgement based on wear and tear. This supports better decision logic and risk awareness.

What PAT Testing Records Should Landlords Keep?

Even though it is not compulsory, record-keeping is strongly recommended. Keeping proper PAT testing records supports landlord compliance documents and simplifies licensing or insurance processes.

You should aim to retain:

1. A report detailing appliances tested
2. Notes on failed or repaired items
3. Stickers or labels on appliances showing test dates

Digital records are acceptable as long as they are accessible and well organised.

How PAT Testing Fits With Other Landlord Safety Certificates

PAT testing and EICRs work together. The EICR focuses on the fixed wiring, such as fuse boards, sockets, and circuits. PAT testing checks plug-in items, such as small appliances and electrical accessories.

Together, they help build a full picture of electrical safety in a rental property. If a landlord only has an EICR, it does not prove the safety of supplied appliances.

Clarifying the safety scope helps avoid duplication while covering all responsibilities.

How to Decide If Your Property Needs PAT Testing

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Have you supplied any portable appliances with plugs?
2. Is the property furnished, licensed, or a short-term rental?
3. Could PAT testing help with compliance or reduce risk?

If the answer is yes to any of these, PAT testing is a smart way to provide landlord safety evidence and reduce liability.

It provides protection for both tenants and landlords and shows you are taking your responsibilities seriously.